Join the fun near Oil Springs. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Oil Springs is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
$25 - $35 / night
"We tent camped at one of the hike-in (it's a well maintained gravel path) sites at PLSP, #33. This is the first site on your way in."
"Very clean campground, the marina is great and easy access to the lake. We kayak and it was great being that close to the lake and the campsites have plenty of room."
$30 - $35 / night
"The park’s along the lake and has hiking, birding, a restaurant, and a nice surprise: an open air theatre with shows outside all summer."
"I lived in the Dewey Lake-JWSP area with family members, until 2002. Currently, I live about 10-15 minutes away from JWSP and visit the park at least once a month, depending on the weather."
$50 / night
"Nice level gravel sites with grass around them. Full hookups 30/50A at each site. Wifi. Could accommodate at least 40+ foot 5th wheels."
$18 - $30 / night
"In my opinion the best sites are the boat in tent camping sites down the hill by the lake. The sites also run along a gravel rode that can be used to hike in."
"It's been a few years since I've visited Yatesville Lake State Park Campgrounds but it used to be a staple of my summer. The campsites are a LONG distance from each other."
$28 - $94 / night
"Having recently moved to Kentucky from California was so happy to get to camp in another season besides summer."
"E-12 was close enough to the bathrooms that it wasn’t a bad walk but we didn’t have to smell anything. Water pump was across from the campsite. Plenty of space for four tents. Sturdy pic-nic table."
"this campsite is not for the new camper, very limited on the nicer things at a campsite. but easy access to the lake. And great view"
"There is a lake nearby, and most of the other campers were boating or horseback riding.
Showers and bathrooms."
$30 / night
"Grayson Lake State Park- East Kentucky. So, we had reservations for Carter Caves, but they canceled on me due to redoing the campground."
"This stunning Eastern Kentucky State Park offers spectacular views of rock formations, tree lined roads, and a stunning lake."
$24 - $36 / night
"We've some spent time now in Kentucky and Red River Gorge area is one of favorites in this state. The campground is good pretty simple."
"It is located just off Exit 11 on the Bert T Combs Parkway (the highway that runs through the area, which is a beautiful drive itself)."
$31 - $128 / night
"Stayed here for one night on a road trip to the Great Lakes. It’s basically in the middle of nowhere but nestled nicely on a lake with pretty water and nice scenery."
"It is close to the water. We left our boats down on the bank. You have a "private" restroom and shower house. Occasionally you will get a hiker or someone coming through the trails that will use it."
$20 - $120 / night
"Water was running over the edges of cliffs and boulders throughout the park into the river that flows through the park."
"Lots to do within walking distance of the campground too."
GuidePrimitive Site 22 was fantastic, tucked away from everyone and quiet. Greenbo just doesn't have a lot to do if you arent boating. And that's okay. We just wanted a lazy trip anyway.
TravelerPlenty of spots, including pull thrus. More affordable than some of the nearby state “resort” parks, though without much in the way of shade or scenery. Staff is very kind, helpful, and understanding. Perfect for an overnight.
RangerBeen going to Greenbo since I was a kid in the 70s. Facilities are well maintained and clean. The campground has been recently paved. Plenty of full service sites with sewer, but lots of other shady sites without sewer. Was there July 13-16, 2025 -- VERY HOT. Staff are friendly and just excellent. The operating hours of marina and other activities are out of date/wrong on the parks.ky.gov web site, just call the park for hours.
Oh, if you want firewood, the campground office is at the marina. Go there, pay for the firewood, and it will be delivered to your site while you go enjoy the park.
Mini golf is in good shape, get clubs and balls at marina. Be prepared, the course is hard, but in a fun way.
Very bike friendly.
GuideWe stayed in one of the "premium" sites, right on the water F19. The view was incredible. The campground was quiet and the facilities clean. Perfect spot.
RangerWe just spent a long weekend at Greenbo Lake State Park. It’s a clean campground, but sites are packed in pretty tight. Not my ideal kind of camping. The kids had fun because there were about 100 kids in the campground running around. There was a vacation bible school going on. Our kids were invited to take part in activities. Really nice people all over the campground. They advertise the sites with 30 and 50 amp hookups. What they didn’t say was that you had to share a post. The people beside me already had the 50 amp. I pulled everything to run on propane that I could and plugged into the 30 amp. We just had to watch and not use electrical appliances while the air was on. It was just way too busy and loud to relax for me. I think I’m just way too spoiled by Twin Knobs. There were way too many young kids on electric bikes that were turned loose. We were almost ran over a couple of times. We were standing beside the road once talking to the camp host in his golf cart and one teen flew between us and I had to grab my 87 year old mother to get her out of the way. The host didn’t seem to care. I was just on edge the whole time trying to keep my grandkids and mom from getting ran over. There were also a bunch of golf carts driving around as late as 2 am. I sound like an old fart, but I’m just putting it out there for future campers. We were on site 53 along the creek. There was no AT&T service, but Verizon had service.
LegendGrayson Lake State Park- East Kentucky. So, we had reservations for Carter Caves, but they canceled on me due to redoing the campground. I was fortunate to find a site at Grayson Lake for Wednesday & Thursday night.
This is a very nice campground at a small state park roughly 10 miles from Carter Caves. Most of it is campground & golf course, with 2 trails.
Grayson Lake has 71 sites with water& electric. There's a dump station. There's 2 playgrounds. 2 bathhouses. They are on the high side of state park clean. I didn't see any spider webs or bugs.
The area was meticulously mowed & clean- no trash at the site or fire pit. The staff at check were friendly & helpful.
We were at site 19 close to the bathhouse. A nice site, but that row had full sun. There were many nice sites, but many had a serious incline. Stay away from site 39 - that has a good view of the wastewater treatment plant!
Grayson Lake is part of a larger area managed by the US Army Corp of Engineers. There's a lot of boating & fishing. We had a good time & if in the area would stay again!
TravelerThis campground is just as I'd hoped--small, clean, and peaceful. The sites are spacious and level. The surrounding hills and lake are gorgeous.
The campground has many full hookup sites. I checked out the bath house: it's the cleanest I've ever seen! Laundry facilities are available. There is a playground for children.
Lots of boating and fishing occurred.
Both the staff and the other campers were friendly and considerate. Quiet hours were observed.
We've already made reservations for next season!
TravelerVery friendly and helpful personal beautiful spot
ScoutBbathrooms are disgusting. Half don't work and handicap doesn't have lock. Only 1 shower worked. Water leaking from toilet and sink. The beach wasn't open so it couldn't have been beach water. It's been like this for 5 years. They don't seem to care.
Camping near Oil Springs, Kentucky, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
Camping near Oil Springs, Kentucky, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Oil Springs located in Kentucky?
Oil Springs is located in Johnson County in eastern Kentucky, approximately 10 miles south of Paintsville. It sits in the heart of the Appalachian region, offering visitors beautiful mountain scenery typical of eastern Kentucky. The area is accessible via Highway 40, with nearby attractions including Paintsville Lake State Park Campground and Jenny Wiley State Park Campground, both within a short driving distance. This region is part of the broader eastern Kentucky outdoor recreation area that includes Daniel Boone National Forest.
What camping facilities are available at Oil Springs?
While Oil Springs itself has limited developed camping facilities, the surrounding area offers several options. Blacks Camper Lots is described as one of the best camper lots in the region - quiet, tucked away, yet close enough to town for conveniences, with amazing views of Kentucky's landscape. For those seeking more amenities, Grayson Lake State Park Campground is within driving distance and offers a small but nice campground situated next to a golf course. Additional options include German Bridge at Dewey Lake for more primitive camping experiences. Most nearby campgrounds offer basic amenities like water and toilets.
What is the history of Oil Springs, Kentucky?
Oil Springs earned its name from the natural oil seeps discovered in the area during the early 19th century. It was one of the earliest sites of commercial oil production in the United States, with drilling beginning in the 1860s. The community developed around this industry, becoming a boom town during the oil rush. While exploring the region's history, visitors can camp at nearby Carter Caves State Resort Park Campground, which features impressive natural formations and historical significance of its own. The Yatesville Lake State Park Campground area also preserves elements of eastern Kentucky's cultural heritage while offering modern camping facilities in a historically rich region.
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